Short communication

Scand J Work Environ Health 2008;34(6):483-486    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.1287 | Issue date: 00 Dec 2008

Does evening work predict sickness absence among female carers of the elderly?

by Tüchsen F, Christensen KB, Nabe-Nielsen K, Lund T

Objectives The aim of the present study was to predict the risk ratio of sickness absence lasting ≥2 weeks due to shift work among Danish workers caring for the elderly during the evening and at night.
Methods A sample of Danish carers of the elderly were interviewed in 2005. The response rate was 78%. A cohort of 5627 shift and day workers was followed for sickness absence lasting ≥2 weeks and for sickness absence lasting ≥8 weeks in a sickness compensation register covering all social transfer payments in Denmark.
Results Among the evening workers, the rate ratio (RR) of sickness absence lasting ≥2 weeks was 1.29 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.10–1.52). The rate ratio for sickness absence lasting ≥8 weeks was 1.24 (95% CI 0.99–1.56).
Conclusions Evening work may cause long-term sickness absence lasting ≥2 weeks.

This article refers to the following texts of the Journal: 1998;24 suppl 3:128-133  1997;23(6):403-413  2008;34(3):206-212  2001;27(2):97-105